A Nottinghamshire quarry operator has been given the go-ahead to expand and extract around five million tonnes of gypsum over 15 years from a southern extension to the quarry. Saint-Gobain Construction Products Ltd had applied to the county council for the expansion at its Bantycock Quarry in Staple Lane, Balderton.
Two statutory bodies - Newark Town Council and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust - had opposed the application, together with three public objections which had been received.
The town council initially did not object but asked that appropriate traffic mitigation was introduced to stop large vehicles driving through built-up areas. But later added that councillors understood that there was no need for any increased supply of building materials and decided to oppose the application, especially as it could set a precedent for other quarry operators in the county wanting to expand.
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust objected to the extension on a number of grounds including the loss of hedgerow habitat and trees, loss of mature trees and nesting habitats. The trust also proposed that a 20 year aftercare commitment was needed rather than 15 years in the council conditions.
The three public objections came after 101 letters were sent out locally notifying people of the application. The objections concerned blasting at the quarry and possible damage to buildings and the possibility of compensation. There were also concerns about possible dust and noise.
Jeremy Elvins, minerals and estates manager with Saint Gobain, took the opportunity to address councillors at a meeting of the planning and rights of way committee, who were deciding the application.
He said: "The quarry has been there for 160 years and it produces important material to make special plasters for industrial uses. By producing more product, we are minimising imports and in the long-term this will protect jobs - 60 of our 165 staff live within 10 miles of the site. We send material to 50 local suppliers."
The meeting heard that blasting times - 1.30pm to 3.30pm Monday to Friday - would not be changed by the addition of the extension. Councillor Philip Owen (Nuthall and Kimberley) said he was mindful that there had been very few objections and he "could see no reason" not to support the application.
Committee chair Councillor Richard Butler added: "This is a huge report and quite rightly so. We did have a site visit previously and that was fascinating."
Consent for the planning application was approved unanimously.
